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Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Some news to spill...

Yikes, it has been several months since I've been able to post. Perhaps after you get done reading this, you'll understand why!

I don't have much news on the gut issue - the medication they've been toying my intestinal system with has done a little to improve my symptoms, but not as much as we've been hoping. They switched the type of medication once to a similar one that works in a slightly different way, but it hasn't made much of a difference either. They warned me this was the probable out come, but were giving it a chance that it may have a bigger impact. What to do now? Live with it, I guess - at least until we are settled down again.

Yes, you read that right... "settled down again". Another two plus year stint has left Jeff with a larger scratch that he couldn't itch anymore, leaving us with one option... another move! That would be one of the reasons this place has quieted down so much - we've been getting the house and yard all gussied up to put on the market. The house not only went up on the market a few weeks ago, but we had a solid offer within 6 days - thanks to our ridiculously brilliant Realtor®, Melissa Brown! Craziness!

Of course, it couldn't be an easy two or three-state-away move, but a complete cross-country trip. So, where are we off to?

We're heading to the Easy Bay area, just minutes (well several, depending on that crazy California traffic...) away from San Francisco. Hello gorgeous!

Does this mean I'm closing up shop here? That is still up in the air as we won't know how long this whole process is going to take. We close on this house at the end of September, but we may be leaving earlier if everything works out. With quite the mountain of tasks ahead of us (we will have to downsize quite a bit this time, which is actually a good thing - however, this means we need to sell/donate/deal with quite a few of our household goods), free time will be at a minimum as we wrap and pack anything coming with, prepare the pups for the long haul and finish up any lingering details before we can ship off.

This is going to be an exciting journey, with several ups and downs I'm sure, but the spectacular location we are headed to this time is sure to light an inspirational spark under my lazy blogging behind. Perhaps we'll be able to fire this thing up again once we have completed this adventure.

Well that is some move, east coast to west coast! Congrats on the new job, the house selling (!!) and of course the new chapter in your life. I too was excited to see a post from you all in my inbox. So sad we never crossed paths in my hometown - haha, Charlotte is such a BIG city! I hope that your "gut" issues are resolved soon and you're feeling better. Not to discourage from whatever you are doing - medicine/diet change - but if I may add my two sense, look into the Paleo Diet. It's not a "diet" as it is a life style change in how you eat, unfortunately, that would probably change all your delicious recipes you post. But google it, look up Robb Wolfe and see if it's something you'd like to try. My husband is a big fan and has discovered that b/c of that change in his diet he has never felt better! Lost weight, good cholesterol, and more energy. (now I am stepping off my soap box, thank you) GOOD LUCK with the move and the closing and congrats on selling your house that quick, we might have to use your real estate agent when we move! Best in luck moving cross country! :-)Angela Barton

Oh Wow! I wish I were heading to California! I wish you both a successful journey out west. I'd love to see your blog up and running again it was such an inspiration but completely understand your decision to take some time off, we all need it. Safe travels!

Congratulations! That area is beautiful. I'll keep checking up on your site to see if you have time to post. I am sorry to hear you are still suffering from "gut" issues...maybe a new doctor in a new state will come up with something that will make life easier. Take care of yourself!PamC

Angela - I followed Paleo for several weeks - unfortunately, it did not help my issue. From what the doctors have gathered, it isn't so much a type of food issue (there is a component to that though), rather a problem (specifically my diaphragm) when I eat/drink anything and how hypersensitive the nerves in my gut are.

Wow, Congratulations on your upcoming move. I have checked this blog daily hoping to see a new post. I've missed you Joe! You have inspired me so much over the past few years, you have no idea. I hope you're feeling better soon and can get a handle on the health issue. I so wish you were moving to the Tampa area of Florida. Then, I could meet you! Best wishes to both of you and please do check in with us.

Welcome to California Joe and Jeff. I knew you were at the SF farmers market last weekend- but I didn't realize you were staying! I hope our fantastic produce inspires you. I wish you peace and hope for your physical issues. Jill ( CLBB oct2189)

Also, if you haven't already found where to live - I know of a studio aparment (MIL) in a gorgeous house in El Cerrito that you can rent in the meantime. The kitchen is to die for!!! Sorry, in the actual house, not the MIL...ha!

So glad for the update!! And welcome (soon!) to California!!! I'm in San Diego now, though I grew up the Bay Area. Quite a change for you! I'm eager to follow your travels, so I hope you will give us an update once in a while. My thoughts are with you on your health issue... hoping you will feel better. Best of luck one move.

Joe!!! So good to hear from you! Congratulations on selling your house so fast, and good luck with the move. You really have handled everything so gracefully! Looking forward to the day when you have this blog up and running... It's STILL one of my favorite food blogs!

YAY! We love living in the East Bay and hope that you will, too. We've loved your blog and have followed along on your culinary adventures since we were living in the midwest, and we turn to your recipes time and time again. Moving can be so overwhelming and frustrating ... here's hoping that you can settle in and feel at home soon. Welcome to California!

Nice to see you post Joe, I sure miss reading your blog! But completely understand your reasons and you are doing the right thing for you and your family!Congrats to both of you on the move. Awesome news those are I tell you!I hope you post a few more times to show us where you two you are going now, sounds like some amazing place :-)Ana

Hey Joe......looks like life just continues to be an adventure for y'all. That is really cool and there is no doubt that y'all are going to love your new destination. I just moved across the country as well from Colorado back to my beloved Texas, so I know how full your to do list will be for a while now just to get the physical move complete. From the looks of the comments, you have many blog followers (including me) that are willing to keep checking on you and your blog. Of course we all hope that one day the blog and recipes will flow again, but no worries, you have to do what feels right and when it feels right, or if it ever feels right. I always loved the old saying, "Life is what happens while you were making other plans." Ain't that the truth!I for one will keep checking on you because I think it is still pretty cool to even see you do an occasional post. Here's to continued health improvements and that your move is exceptionally smooth.